One day before its big premiere on Disney Channel, “Star Wars Rebels” is celebrating a Season 2 renewal. The highly-anticipated animated series will premiere Friday with the television movie “Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion” at 9 p.m. ET on Disney Channel.
“The global expectations for this series could not have been any higher,” said Gary Marsh, Disney Channels Worldwide president and CCO, in announcing the renewal. “I am proud to say that the team at Lucasfilm has delivered something that has surpassed even that incredibly high bar – artistically and thematically.”
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After its movie premiere, the series then shifts over to its regular channel with a re-airing of the film on Monday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. ET on Disney XD. That’s followed a week later by the series premiere in its regular time slot at 9 p.m. ET. “Rebels” will air in 34 languages across 163 countries.
“We all love making ‘Rebels,’ so we couldn’t be happier that it’s moving into a second season,” said Kiri Haret, Lucasfilm’s vice president of creative development. “Our fantastic creative team is dreaming up new stories for the crew of the Ghost that will expand their experience of the galaxy and deepen their heroes’ journeys. The fan response to the show has been amazing, humbling and inspiring. We’re looking forward to the adventure ahead.”
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While Disney did not specify how many episodes had been ordered for the second season, the first season is slated to run 16 episodes. It takes place between the events of the original “Star Wars” trilogy and the more recent prequel trilogy.
Creators Simon Kinberg and Dave Filoni will return as executive producers, as will co-executive producer and supervising writer Henry Gilroy.
“Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion” kicks of the series on Friday, Oct. 3 at 9 p.m. ET on Disney Channel. “Star Wars Rebels” then premieres Monday, Oct. 13 at 9 p.m. ET on Disney XD.